You are here

Colon Cancer

We can help guide you through treatment for colon cancer, which is curable if caught in its early stages.

Related to:
Colorectal cancer

Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, originates in the colon or rectum. It is also called colorectal cancer. A family history or genetics may predispose you to be at risk for colon cancer, but smoking and obesity, dietary factors, and inflammatory bowel disorders such as Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis can also put you at risk. In some cases, the cancerous section of your colon or rectum can be completely removed through surgery. Your diagnosis and treatment plan at the UT Health San Antonio's Cancer Center will include your input and we’ll work to answer your questions and help you feel confident about your care decisions.

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in the United States.

Why choose the UT Health San Antonio Cancer Center for colon cancer?

As a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center, we offer care delivered by a multidisciplinary team.Our colorectal cancer team led by gastrointestinal oncologists and includes:

Medical oncologists

Surgical oncologists

Radiation oncologists

Gastrointestinal physicians and surgeons, who are trained in endoscopy techniques

Surgeons, who specialize in colon cancer surgery

Treatment specific to you: We perform rapid comprehensive evaluations and discussions with pathologists who specialize in gastrointestinal pathology. Additional research discussions also occur at our regularly conducted cancer conferences.

Genetic counseling: About 20 percent of colon cancers are linked to a genetic or family condition. The counselors at our Cancer Genetics and High-Risk Screening Clinic can advise you and your family on the risk of developing cancer, possible screening exams, counseling, and advice regarding options for care.

Clinical trials

As a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center, the cancer center offers care delivered by a multidisciplinary team who specializes in all phases of clinical trials.

The cancer center’s team partners with the National Cancer Institute and other organizations to offer clinical trial-based treatment options for all patients—from first diagnosis through extensive treatment.

Our clinicians are familiar with available experimental treatments and first-in-human clinical trials, which are available under special programs for patients who qualify.

Diagnosis

How is colon cancer diagnosed?

A colon cancer diagnosis is confirmed by colonoscopy, which is the insertion of a special fiber-optic instrument into the colon. A biopsy will also be taken so that the tissue may be examined.

A biopsy under CT-scan or ultrasound guidance may be required to examine some suspicious areas.

Specialized staining techniques are performed by gastrointestinal pathologists to determine the exact nature of the cancer.

Tumor specimens will be studied by special genetic tests to help guide treatment in select patients.

Blood tests, CT scans and other scans will be performed to determine extent of disease. This process, called staging, allows your team to determine the ideal treatment for your cancer.

Treatment

Colon cancer treatment at the UT Health Cancer Center

All UT Health Cancer Center patients are carefully screened and a detailed family history is taken as part of your treatment. High-risk patients have full access to our Cancer Genetics and High-Risk Screening Clinics, which have expert genetic counselors available to patients.

Patients may have the following:

Primary treatment: Surgery is the primary treatment for cancers that are deemed to be completely removable.

Chemotherapy: Also called adjuvant therapy, this may be required for selected patients after surgery.

Treatment for advanced stage cancer: Chemotherapy is delivered by your multidisciplinary gastrointestinal oncology team, which has specific knowledge of your prior treatment. Clinical trials may be discussed as the best option for care and control of advanced stage colon cancer.

We make lives better ®

Web Privacy | Links from websites affiliated with The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio's website (uthscsa.edu) to other websites do not constitute or imply university endorsement of those sites, their content, or products and services associated with those sites. The content on this website is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Health information on this site is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat conditions. Consult a health care provider if you are in need of treatment.